Boolean data types in SQL, often represented as BOOLEAN, BOOL, or similar, store logical values. They are crucial for filtering data based on conditions. Unlike other data types, booleans only hold two possible values: TRUE and FALSE (or sometimes, 1 and 0). This simplicity allows for precise control over data retrieval and manipulation. For instance, you might want to select only customers who have a specific status, like 'active'. A boolean column could hold this status information, allowing you to filter your results effectively. Boolean values are also essential in complex queries involving multiple conditions. Using logical operators like AND, OR, and NOT, you can combine boolean expressions to create sophisticated filtering criteria. This is particularly useful in situations where you need to meet multiple criteria to retrieve the desired data. For example, you might want to find all orders that were placed in a specific month and have a status of 'shipped'.